Middle of Nowhere

Another painting out of Bedford County. I think I was in Bedford County. I was somewhere between Gossburg and Bradyville. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

Navigation

Went painting with Jason Saunders recently. Our method for finding a place to paint was to hook up a Garmin Navigation system and start driving. We wound up at the Rock Island Natural Area which is right below the dam that is right below the convergence of the Caney Fork and the Collins Rivers. My best guess is that it is the old river bed that was exposed when they dammed the river. It is all rock and the tail waters run through it and create tons of waterfalls and rushing water that cuts through these rock formations. I found it very challenging with the moving water and the texture of the rocks. That and the fact I was painting with Jason. He is a machine. By the time I got one keeper he had 3! It's intimidating to paint with someone who, everytime you look up they are loading a new paint panel. But I still enjoy painting with him because you never know where you might end up painting.

15 Degrees

Last Thursday I think I set a personnal best. I have painted in temperatures as low as 20 degrees but Thursday it was 15 degrees when I started. The biggest issue was the thickening of the Titanium white. It needed liberal doses of terp to perform properly.
Also, 15 degrees is not too cold for muskrats. I had a couple that were swimming the river back and forth about 10 feet in front of me the whole time I painted. I am not sure what muskrats have to do that would make them so busy, but they were getting it done.

Winter

The winter is actually my favorite time to paint and be outdoors. I can't remember where I read it but some artist said that "in the winter you can see the bones of the landscape." The land looks so much different in the winter.
Lately I have been painting in Bell Buckle and in the Yanahli Wildlife Management Area in Maury County. For those who haven't been to Bell Buckle and Beford County it's a painter's paradise. Rolling hills and tons of backroads. Be prepared though because they are not accustom to seeing painters and you will be asked," what'cha doin'?"

Belle Meade Show Update

The show that the Chestnut Group is having at the Belle Meade Plantation has been extended until the end of January. If you haven't been, stop by. There is still plenty of excellent art left.

Belle Meade Show

I will be participating in The Chestnut Group's "Belle Meade Small Works Show" from December 6th through the entire month of December. All pieces must be of Belle Meade, no larger than 8x10 and must be executed en plein air. They will hang in the Plantation Giftshop which will be a great place to Christmas shop.

The Chestnut Group

I have recently joined the Chestnut Group which is a group of local painters whose members donate a lot of time and money through volunteer work and proceeds from shows to land preservation in the area. They will be having a show at Radnor Lake beginning on Nov. 1 with a reception that evening from 5-8. Above are 2 of my images for the show. Please drop by, I think you will enjoy the show.

The Month of August for a Plein Air Painter

Below are some of the images I produced in the record setting month of August. It was the hottest month we have had on record in Tennessee and it made painting out very difficult. I think you will notice though, a lot of creek paintings. It was the only way I could manage.